Where can I go in Scotland without a car?

You can certainly use trains and Scottish Citylink buses and a car is not needed while you are in Glasgow or Edinburgh. However if you want to see Skye ,the West Coast and the Highlands a car is almost a necessity. You will quickly get used to driving here.



In 2026, Scotland is remarkably accessible without a car thanks to the ScotRail network and the comprehensive "Citylink" coach system. Edinburgh and Glasgow are the obvious starting points, with world-class public transit, but you can easily venture much further. The West Highland Line allows you to travel from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct; this is often voted the most beautiful train journey in the world. You can also take the train to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and use local buses to reach Loch Ness. For island hopping, the ferry hub of Oban is easily reachable by train, and from there, you can walk onto CalMac ferries to explore Mull and Iona. In 2026, the "Borders Railway" offers easy access to the historic abbey towns south of Edinburgh. Furthermore, the Stirling region is a major hub for car-free travelers, with the castle and monuments within walking distance of the station. With the 2026 "Scottish Travel Card" digital app, you can seamlessly pay for trains, buses, and ferries across the country with a single tap.

Scotland is exceptionally accessible without a car in 2026 thanks to a robust network of trains, buses, and ferries. You can easily spend several days in Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are connected by high-speed trains running every 15 minutes. For a Highland experience, you can take the West Highland Line—voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world—from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing through the dramatic landscapes of Fort William and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Inverness is another major hub accessible by the Caledonian Sleeper train from London or ScotRail from the south; once there, local buses and "City Sightseeing" tours can take you to Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield. For island hopping, the "Rail & Sail" tickets allow you to take a train to ports like Oban (gateway to Mull and Iona) or Kyle of Lochalsh (for Skye). In 2026, the "pro-tip" is to use the Citylink coach network for reaching more remote villages that trains don't service, ensuring a comprehensive tour of the country with zero "driving on the left" stress.

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Travel in & Around Scotland Scotland is well connected by an extensive road and rail transport network, with a variety of options available for getting from A to B. Public transport provides trains and bus services to Scottish towns and cities as well as many villages and ferry ports.

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Perhaps the best option to visit the Isle of Skye without a car is to take a Skye scenic tour. Not only does it provide transportation to and from the island, but it also takes you to many parts of the island. Ample time is provided at each destination for relaxed sightseeing before moving on to the next attraction.

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The train is an easy option for travel between major towns and cities. Scotland's extensive train network covers all major cities and towns, but the railway map has large, blank areas in the Highlands and the Southern Uplands where you'll need to switch to road transport – in many cases, traveling by local bus.

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Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see Scotland and travel between different regions.

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Options include cycling along the west coast of the Outer Hebrides, or sailing around the whisky distilleries of the Inner Hebrides.
  1. An island hopping holiday on the west coast.
  2. Orkney & Shetland Island Hopping - Itinerary.
  3. Whisky and the West Coast: 7 Day Sailing Itinerary.
  4. Hebridean Way Cycling Route.


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Alternatively, have a relaxed 5 days in Scotland by doing this:
  1. Day 1 - Explore Edinburgh.
  2. Day 2 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry.
  3. Day 3 - Pitlochry to Inveraray via Loch Tay.
  4. Day 4 - Day trip from Inveraray to Oban.
  5. Day 5 - Inveraray to Glasgow via Loch Lomond.


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The two main ways to reach Skye is by either coach or train. Whichever way you choose, be sure to research your journey carefully and making seat reservations is highly recommended, as services can get busy, particularly during the peak summer months.

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The south-western regions of Galloway and Ayrshire might not be the most famous of places to visit in Scotland, but they are among my absolute highlights when it comes to scenery, outdoor activities and genuinely local experiences.

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Getting around without a car?? You can certainly use trains and Scottish Citylink buses and a car is not needed while you are in Glasgow or Edinburgh. However if you want to see Skye ,the West Coast and the Highlands a car is almost a necessity. You will quickly get used to driving here.

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Edinburgh, Scotland Split into two distinct halves, Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities around.

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Driving in Scotland as an American is pretty straightforward. The roads are all about the same speeds you're used to and, of course, all the signs are in English!

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Driving in the Scottish Highlands & Islands however is an altogether more challenging experience. Narrow, winding, single-track roads are much of what you'll be driving on once you're in Scotland's remote places. Hairpin bends, blind summits, blinder corners, potholes, and hidden dips are common.

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